07/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - The Swiss Federal Council decided on Wednesday 2 July that the referendum on extending the agreement on the free movement of persons with the European Union, and on extending it to include Romania and Bulgaria, will take place on 8 February 2009, contrary to original plans (see EUROPE 9691). However, the referendum will only take place on that date if 50,000 signatures calling for it are gathered by 2 October. (B.C./transl.rt)